Poultry Education Nonprofit Hosts UK Delegation

NC Center for Poultry Education

In August, a dignitary delegation from the United Kingdom hosted by the U.S. Department of State visited Edgecombe County for something the region uniquely excels at: poultry farming and education. 

The delegation visited the NC Center for Poultry Education in Pinetops, an educational nonprofit organization sited on a commercial, family-owned poultry farm owned by S & N Enterprises LLC and served by Tarboro-based Edgecombe-Martin County EMC. The Center operates in collaboration with Perdue Farms, Hog Slat, the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, NC State University, the University of Mount Olive and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The centerpiece for presentations during the international visit was a Promethean ActivPanel interactive display, made possible with funds donated by Edgecombe-Martin County EMC and a matching grant from North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives ($2,000 and $5,000 donations, respectively).

“Our co-op was made aware of the Center’s need for a smart board to better deliver educational and informational outreach,” said Edgecombe-Martin County EMC CEO Winston Howell. “We were determined to meet their need in time for the international delegation visit, and we worked with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives to quickly make funds available. The Center provides invaluable support to FFA, 4-H, and other educational agricultural programs, and Edgecombe-Martin County EMC was happy to assist its efforts in this way.”

NC Center for Poultry Education

One current focus of the Center is to counter misinformation about the poultry industry that influences consumer behavior and impacts agricultural production. In hosting the delegation from the United Kingdom, it was tasked with addressing misinformation about animal agriculture in the United States.

“The visit was a success, and we had great conversation with the delegates about our nation’s agricultural system. The support we received from Edgecombe-Martin County EMC ensured we could put our best foot forward and present materials in a dynamic, engaging way,” said Steven Brake, CEO of the NC Center for Poultry Education. “By improving education at various levels — from primary and secondary to university, extension and professional levels — consumers will make more informed choices, ensuring the industry’s sustainability in the long run.”